After 4 crazy weeks of college football, the Heisman picture is becoming more clear.
Heisman Rankings after Week
1.Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
This was an easy decision. Jackson already has 25 total touchdowns on his own – only one other team has more. He has thrown for 1,330 yards and 13 TDs and rushed for 526 yards and 12 more TDs. Jackson hopes to continue this run with a huge game at #5 Clemson on October 1st.
2.Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
Let me introduce you to the best running back in College Football. Pumphrey has only played 3 games, but already has 599 yard rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs, in addition to 67 receiving yards on 9 catches. After 3 weeks, Pumphrey had more rushing yards then 84 other FBS teams, and was second in total yards per game as a running back after week 3.
3. JT Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Barrett was also off for week 4, but impressed in his first three games. Barrett has 650 passing yards and 10 passing TDs through 3 games. He also has added 159 rushing yards and 3 TDs on the ground. Although only 3 starters returned on offense this year for the Buckeyes, Barrett has played superbly and has led Ohio State to a 3-0 record.
4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
McCaffrey is still playing at a high level, with 436 rushing yards and 3 rushing TD’s, and 638 all-purpose yards through 3 games.
5. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Cleveland’s might come to know Watson better next year if the Browns take him with the first overall pick in the draft, but he struggled in his first two games against Auburn and Troy. He recovered, however, as in his next 2 games he threw for 456 passing yards and 5 TDs. Watson is up to 996 passing yards and 9 TDs, but has also thrown 4 interceptions. Watson’s Clemson has an extremely important game against Louisville coming up which will have a large impact on his status as a Heisman contender.
Playoff predictions
- Alabama
Alabama has looked great so far, already with big wins against USC and Ole Miss on the road. Alabama’s defense has been amazing once again and freshman QB Jalen Hurts looks great.
- Ohio State
Although only returning 6 starters, Ohio State has reloaded just as strong as last year. The Buckeyes notched an impressive road win at Oklahoma in week three, but Ohio State faces a very difficult schedule playing Michigan State, Wisconsin and Penn State on the road. At home, things aren’t much easier with Michigan, Nebraska, and Northwestern on the cards. If Ohio State can get through the schedule, they have a great chance in the playoffs.
- Louisville
Louisville has already put themselves on the map with a 63-20 home win over then #2 ranked Florida State. Louisville has a very important game upcoming at #5 Clemson and has a big game at #6 Houston on November 17th. If Louisville can get through the ACC schedule and beat Houston, they will have a good chance to win the college football playoff.
- Stanford
Stanford is already 3-0 with big wins over Kansas State, USC and UCLA, but has its biggest game this weekend at #10 Washington. The rest of the schedule looks fairly easy, with only hard tests remaining being at Notre Dame, home against Colorado and at Oregon. Stanford can afford to lose 1 game and still make the playoff with the poor showing of the Big 12.
- Alabama vs 4. Stanford
Alabama would win this projected matchup because of their great defense and balanced running attack. Although Stanford also boasts a great defense, Alabama runs down opponents and Stanford will have a hard time scoring.
- Ohio State vs 3. Louisville
Ohio State looks like the more balanced team in this matchup, as the offense has only given up 2 offensive touchdowns in 3 weeks. The secondary also looks great, and the pass rush has been improving. The offense looks better than last year’s with receiving threats in Noah Brown, Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson, and a strong rushing attack led by Mike Weber, Curtis Samuel and JT Barrett. Louisville has looked unstoppable thus far, but Ohio State’s athletic defense and has the ability to contain Lamar Jackson. Louisville has looked great on the defensive side, but they haven’t played a team with great passing and running threats.
- Alabama vs 2. Ohio State
Alabama will win the championship if they play Ohio State. Their defense is too good – the Crimson Tide’s front 7 is the best of any college football team. Unlike in 2014, Ohio State will have a harder time running the football, but will keep it close. Alabama’s rushing attack and defense will be too much for the Buckeyes.